Other than just needing a place to stay, I had two reasons for staying at the Berlin Marriott. First, as a Starwood Lifetime Platinum and newly designated Marriott Lifetime Platinum Premier (LPP) with Ambassador benefits, I wanted to checkout one of legacy Marriott’s top properties in Berlin and compare it to the Berlin Westin Grand that I would stay at later. Second, I was curious to see if this hotel would honor the suite upgrade at check in benefit for Platinum members and above. That benefit is relatively new for Marriott hotels.
Check In
The Berlin Marriott Hotel enjoys a central location near Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. After the short flight from Amsterdam in business class on a KLM 737-900, the hotel was a 25-minute, 22-Euro taxi ride from Tegel Airport. I arrived just before noon. There was no line at check in. The desk clerk took my passport and greeted me with my LPP title.
In answer to the first reason for selecting a Marriott hotel, the clerk upgraded me to what he said was a junior suite without asking. Marriott program terms and conditions require upgrading Platinums and above to the best available room including select suites subject to availability for the entire stay. I could have asked the clerk to search for a full suite; however just getting into any room as soon as possible was the primary concern after a long journey of three flights from Charlotte, NC to Berlin.
Lobby
Elevators to the guest floors are on the opposite side of the lobby from check in and the concierge.
The hotel has 10 floors of guest rooms with an atrium core.
Executive Suite
Opening the door to my room I was impressed by the size. In fact, the clerk misspoke. The hotel does not have junior suites. The room I was assigned was an Executive Suite. The suite was large and situated on one corner of the hotel. 
The minibar is located in the entryway.
While not as large as a Capital Suite, the other type of suite at this hotel, this suite was quite satisfactory. The living room has a couch, chair and ottoman, desk and TV.
Double doors lead to the large bedroom. The king-size bed, a wall of closets with robes slippers, safe and built-in armoire, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are the primary features.
The TV is located beside the entrance door, so not the ideal location for viewing from bed, and it could have been larger.
The bathroom has separate tub and shower, a single vanity and a bidet.
The bedroom has electrical outlets that are conveniently located near the bed. You will need to bring adapters for non-EU plugs, or the hotel can supply one if you forget.
Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge is one of the nicest features of this hotel. I always try to stay at hotels with a lounge. Lounges supply free breakfast and dinner, there is no need to waste a welcome gift choice on breakfast and forego bonus points for a stay. Here is the lowdown for the Executive Lounge.
The buffet items for breakfast and dinner were more than sufficient in variety and quality to create satisfying meals for any tastes. The staff was pleasant and efficient. They cleared plates and glasses promptly. When I asked where I could print my boarding pass, the attendant at the lounge entrance volunteered to print it for me. Access to the Executive Lounge is available to Marriott Platinum members and above. In addition to the member, one guest is allowed for free. Additional guests can enter for a charge.
Fitness Center and Pool
Unlike the Executive Lounge, all hotel guests have access to the pool and fitness center. The facilities are almost like a mini spa. Access to the fitness center is via a dedicated elevator. Sweaty guests do not use the same elevator as guests going to and from their rooms.
The best part of the fitness center is the large sauna. Strange that the hotel website doesn’t even mention it. 
The indoor infinity pool completes the fitness center facilities.
Except for the pool, the fitness center is open 24 hours. Pool hours are 06:00 to 22:00.
Overall Impression
A legitimate five-star hotel in a great location with an excellent lounge. In this instance anyway, getting a suite upgrade did not require pulling any teeth as some have reported at Marriott properties. I would have to wait a few days to see how this hotel compared to the Westin. Update: The Marriott was a much better hotel.
Salsaworldtraveler'sblog 